OUTDOOR GYM PLANNING

How Much Does It Cost to Build an Outdoor Gym?

outdoor gym in germany with multiple calisthenics equipment

How to break down the cost of an outdoor gym

To understand the overall cost of a public outdoor gym from start to finish, we have exemplified all the costs involved in outdoor commercial fitness projects. From experience, we know that an overall budget for building an outdoor gym for all ages and abilities breaks into five main categories. These are the five general factors influencing the cost of building an outdoor fitness site:

  • Outdoor Fitness Equipment 60%

  • Safety Surfacing 20%

  • Site Amenities 0-10%

  • Shipping 10%

  • Installation 10%

Breaking down budgeting for an outdoor gym is framed around multiple factors influencing the costs. Expenses include outdoor gym equipment, safety surfacing, landscaping, installation, shipping, and site amenities.

How much does outdoor fitness equipment cost?

The cost of your public outdoor fitness site depends on the fitness solution or package: custom-built, number of exercise types, size and site amenities. Without exercise equipment or machines – there is no outdoor gym.

We believe that high-quality materials are the means to create fitness sites that will withstand the test of time. The featured materials will impact the cost.

In areas with high wear and tear and an increased risk of vandalism, exercise machines made of steel and high-density polyethene will reduce your maintenance costs significantly.

Wooden outdoor gym equipment, made from Robinia, will keep the maintenance costs low and extend the lifetime of your fitness site.

Need help designing your gym?

How do you budget for an outdoor gym?

Let's look into the considerations that will impact your budget:
man exercising outdoors on outdoor fitness equipment

1. Outdoor gym design and layout

The design phase connects all the elements of the build; the more complex the design solution, the higher the cost. Ensure ample space is around the equipment to avoid injuries and clear paths between equipment. We always recommend engaging your local community in the design phase. It will take a little longer, but it ensures that your outdoor gym meets the user's needs.

three men doing push ups on outdoor fitness equipment in wood

2. Outdoor gym equipment

Will you start from scratch or reuse existing exercise equipment? Do you need to install shade and outdoor furniture? This is where you decide on the right exercise equipment, which can drive the cost up or down. Are you building an outdoor fitness park for seniors or older adults, young and fit, or a community park that encapsulates all abilities and exercise levels? Scoping the purpose of the site is imperative.

outdoor gym with various calisthenics equipment

3. Shipping costs

You must also bear in mind the delivery of the exercise equipment. The delivery will also drive the cost up or down depending on the freight and shipping costs and your timeline. Just to let you know, KOMPAN outdoor fitness equipment is comparable to machines and exercise equipment from indoor fitness centres and will stand the test of transportation and use for many, many years.

How do you budget for an outdoor gym?

4. Landscaping

Not all outdoor gym installations are ready-to-fit solutions. A fitness site often requires extensive landscaping and preparation before installation.

Sometimes, the site holds existing equipment. The removal of existing equipment also impacts the costs. Not all fitness sites are built on soft soil. If you are planning the site in a complicated soil area, digging is complex. At KOMPAN, we conduct on-site inspections on any third-party manufacturer's equipment, even for those that no longer exist.

Your local sales consultant can estimate the price through a site survey.

woman working out on outdoor training station

5. Surfacing

Surfacing makes up a significant part of your budget. It would help if you considered fall height, inclusivity and accessibility, maintenance, exercise type and materials.

Pour-in-place rubber is available in many colours and form patterns that guide the exercise route and paths around the site. For example, if you choose an obstacle course or a fitness trail. Pour-in-place rubber has many benefits as it ensures accessibility for wheelchair users and walking-impaired.

outdoor gym with obstacle course and fitness stations

6. Site amenities

A commercial outdoor gym often needs to cater for other things than exercise. Owners of commercial outdoor fitness sites are held responsible to the public to keep their fitness areas and exercise equipment safe at all times. Consider commercial outdoor furniture such as tables and benches to make users stay longer and bins to keep the place nice and tidy. We recommend sites with shading to avoid overheating and dehydration. A water fountain with drinking water will also attract users.

two men installing an outdoor gym

7. Construction and Fitness site installation

You have different options for construction and installation, depending on the complexity of your outdoor fitness site. Working with separate companies can add to the cost of your site, whereas working with KOMPAN as your only supplier can reduce the overall cost.

Why not visit our installation page to read and learn more about a full-service installation from KOMPAN?

How do you budget for an outdoor gym?

8. Inspections and maintenance

Our KOMPAN maintenance teams worldwide have years of experience with inspections, installation and after-service. At KOMPAN, we offer all-inclusive Expert Maintenance agreements to much more straightforward ones. This is an additional cost consideration to bear in mind.

If you want a free quote on your specific service and repair queries, don't hesitate to get in touch with your local KOMPAN sales office.

A man fixing a slide in a playground

Why do outdoor gyms cost so much?

As a rule of thumb, outdoor exercise equipment takes up around 50-60% of your budget. The rest of your budget must adhere to services related to the actual build, installation cost and shipping. We must also ensure that your commercial outdoor gym safety criteria meet local rules and regulations. This process can also impact the overall price.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to build an outdoor fitness centre?

The cost of an outdoor gym is challenging to put an exact number on. We recommend breaking down the costs according to the abovementioned guidelines.

What affects the price of outdoor gym equipment?

The delivery of the outdoor gym equipment drives the cost up or down depending on the freight and shipping costs and your timeline. Also, the choice of material can impact the overall outdoor gym equipment prices.

What to consider when budgeting for an outdoor gym area?

You must consider equipment, safety surfacing, shipping, installation cost and landscaping as part of the overall budget.

Got questions about how to plan an outdoor fitness site?

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